Shine a Light of Hope!

Walk For Hope

2011-05-01T20:28:00.003-05:00

May 1st Wayzata Community Church (WCC) walked 5 miles to help build a school (4 permanent classrooms) on the LOH campus. Lead by the church's middle schoolers, 150 walkers raised over $10,000. Walkers braved the cold, wind, and sometimes snowy walk. Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion for helping the LOH girls in Africa.

The girls at LOH held their own Walk For Hope earlier that same day. Enjoy some of the pictures of the girls on their walk.

Blessing of the walkers before they depart after service

Walk For Hope at LOH

Saying Good Bye

2011-03-05T21:39:00.002-06:00

Sandy and Boni leaving Light of Hope. The girls are seeing them off.

More Happenings at LOH

2011-02-23T13:29:00.003-06:00

Brand new PA equipment

Playing in their new track suits

Progress is made on the leech field

Happenings at LOH

2011-02-21T13:39:00.003-06:00

Larry and LOH's foreman and farm leader consult on the leech field.

Boni helps Peris with her new book bag

Visitors Melissa and John speak with LOH teachers during a mini workshop

Girls making note cards

Sandy present teacher Amos an award for 2010 best subject

Margaret receives an award for LOH's highest score on the 8th grade exam in 2010 (not pictured)

Girls from high school are welcomed home for mid term break

Warm Welcome to Visitors

2011-02-20T21:47:00.001-06:00

High School Visit

2011-02-17T22:13:00.003-06:00

Guests of LOH visit Naomi, Peris, and Ann at high school. Head Teacher of LOH, Zipporah, accompanied them on their visit.

Track Suits

2011-02-16T22:09:00.000-06:00

The girls look great and love their new track suits for physical education.

The track suits will keep their new school uniforms nice and clean for school time.

Dedication of new high school dorm

2011-02-15T21:19:00.000-06:00

Celebration of the completion of the new high school dorm

The dorm will be home to 30 girls, at capacity.

This will be "home" to the girls in high school when they are on break from their high schools.

There is a study area, library, and additional space for classrooms or activities that are used by the current students at LOH when the older girls are away at high school.

Thank You ELIMU Trust and Messiah Unter Methodist

2011-02-15T16:16:00.000-06:00

Thank you ELIMU Trust and Messiah United Methodist for making a difference in the lives of the girls at LOH.

New musical instruments for the music program

Grating the new acreage. This will be used for "good" soccer field, a 15X20 meter fish pond, and the remainder of the property will be used for another garden and grazing for the livestock.

The girls celebrate the completion of the new dormitory

New high school dormitory. This dorm will be used for the high school students when they return "home" to LOH. The dorm will also have a study area and library, which can be used while the girls are away at high school as well.

Completed desk

Hard at work building desks for the rooms in the high school dorm

A blood pressure clinic was held by Kathy and Kris for the local residents. They also held a diabetes class for the staff at Poly clinic and brought them some supplies. Poly clinic assists the girls of LOH with minor medical problems as they arise. The class and supplies were done in exchange to compensate the clinic for LOH's medical bill.

Each girl was given a career notebook and interviewed as a part of the physical. Education profiles were completed on each of the girls as well.

Medical physicals were performed on each of the girls. After the completion of the physical the girls were given a track suit for physical education class.

The girls dancing at a Valentine's celebration

Water testing was performed at the school. It looks very good. Bacteria testing will follow.

2011-02-07T14:30:00.003-06:00

Visitors from Messiah United Methodist and ELIMU Trust are welcomed to LOH

The girls and visiting friends make Valentine's

Yummy s'mores at the end of the day

LOH Here We Come

2011-02-06T21:36:00.003-06:00

We are on our way back to Kenya to spend time at Light of Hope and looking forward to seeing all the girls again! Departure date is Tuesday Feb 8th. and return date is March 3rd. Our team of travelers will be joining another team that is already at Light of Hope working on the final construction of our new High School dorm. There is also a medical team there that will be doing medical checkups on each girl and updating immunizations. They will also be doing a community outreach to check for high blood pressure.

There are many projects that we are hoping to accomplish while we are there. We are especially excited to celebrate our 5 year anniversary since Light of Hope's doors were opened!

We will keep you posted as we begin. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

Boni and Sandy Karanja

Christmas Break

2010-12-25T21:33:00.000-06:00

Active girls on Christmas Break

High School Exams

2010-10-26T11:20:00.003-05:00

Class Eight students leaving for Nance Memorial for their high school exams. Please pray for their safety and success in taking the exams. These exams will determine high school placement for the students.

Class Eight Students

Students with their teachers

Active Girls

2010-10-05T15:29:00.002-05:00

Enjoying a game of basketball.

The girls warm up and run cross country.

Run for Hope Follow-up

2010-08-05T15:01:00.003-05:00

As a final follow-up to my Run for Hope supporters I have put together a letter. The impact of our trip can not be overstated...and I am committed to doing everything in my power to bring light and life into LOH. Can't wait to share the stories in person! - Sheila

Thank you once again for supporting my Run for Hope. Having returned from Africa just a few days ago, I wanted to give you an update on my time at Light of Hope Home and School for Girls (LOH). As a result of your generous support - both financial and emotional, I was able to raise over $6000 for LOH. This money was used toward the final payment on 8 acres of additional land, adjacent to their current property. They have extensive long term plans for the use of this land, including additional dormitory space, a community/worship center and more classrooms.

The future of this mission is promising, as they continue to expand their ministry and provide a safe place for orphaned girls. So, thank you, thank you for contributing to their growth.
Prior to going to LOH, my family and I spent 2 days in Nairobi. Much of our time in Nairobi was spent acclimating to the culture shock of deep and widespread poverty. We visited with other missions and had the opportunity to drive through some of the "open markets" and slums in Nairobi. As we left Nairobi for the long drive to Navaisha (LOH), I had an overwhelming feeling of despair. The poverty that we witnessed in Nairobi, as well as in Naivasha, was so deep and widespread that I felt hopeless and helpless. I wondered how on earth our efforts in Minnesota could possibly make a dent in that desperate life situation?

Soon after we arrived at LOH, we were greeted in song by 45 young smiling girls. While the girls at LOH were timid with my family at first, the barriers were quickly dissolved by the sounds of laughter and bouncing balls. Despite our cultural differences, we discovered that kids are all the same - they just want to play! Over the course of the next few days, our family balanced the physical work of building fences with the emotional and fulfilling work of building relationships with the people at LOH. I began to fully understand the scope of this ministry. The young girls at LOH are taught from the moment of their arrival that they are not defined or confined by their past; they are not doomed to inherit the poverty from their parents; and they are not weakened by the pain in the lives. But rather, THEY are in charge of their destiny; THEY have the power to break the cycle of poverty; and THEY will heal and be strengthened by their past suffering. The mission of LOH is not simply to rescue and provide refuge for the forgotten and needy. And their mission is not only about educating them once they get there. In addition to safety, security and education, the girls at LOH are taught the skills to become strong women who stand out in the world...women who set and achieve goals, and eventually raise strong families of their own. It is only through this empowerment that the cycle of poverty can be broken - the change must come from WITHIN. The despair and hopelessness that I had felt just a few days before had been transformed into hope, as I saw the other end of the poverty pendulum - a child with an education and a promising future.

While the girls of LOH may be "motherless" in a literal sense, they have been given:
* the chance to be mothered and nurtured by a loving group of people who are invested in their future
* the structure and responsibility necessary to become a capable woman
* the aid of skilled professionals who can help them heal and overcome their past, and
* a belief in themselves that they have value in the world.

Our time at LOH was sacred time, spent on holy ground - a place where the spirit and love of Christ can be seen and felt in every child, teacher and caretaker on the property. I will forever be changed by my experience there.

One of the most poignant moments of my week occurred on our final day. We had built a fence around the new land and as one final task, we spent the afternoon planting trees along the fence line. John and I chose a small tree and proceeded to plant it into the ground. Knowing that we would not have the benefit of watching our tree grow, we appointed 5 guardians to our tree - Naomi, Sylvia, Mary, Faith and Ruth. I explained to them that I had named the tree "Muriel" , after my mom, so that I would always remember her. My girls smiled at me, with a look of understanding, and promised to take care of my tree. And I believe they will.

And while the grief I felt after losing my mother became the impetus for my "Run for Hope", it is the faith and grace of those lovely girls at LOH that will keep me running for them. And I will never stop.

Thank you again,
Sheila

p.s. Please share this blog anyone you think would be interested in supporting LOH or interested in hearing more about this life-changing mission.

p.s.s I hope you will consider supporting me in my 2nd annual "Run for Hope" in 2011. Please also consider doing your own "Run for Hope" ...or "Bike for Hope"...or "Ski for Hope"...or "Walk for Hope". The options are endless and the more foot soldiers we have working on behalf of Light of Hope, the more we can affect their change from within.

Athletic Gifts to LOH

2010-07-23T18:54:00.004-05:00

The recent visitors, The Blake Schools, Ross family and Sample family, brought sport shoes for all the students and t-shirts for the staff.

The Blake School Visit

2010-07-23T10:38:00.002-05:00

Girls with friends from The Blake Schools

Reading with friends

A teacher from The Blake Schools teaches the students about the water cycle

LOH with their friends from The Blake Schools

Teachers with the new telescope

2010-06-17T13:57:00.001-05:00

The Blake School is traveling to Light of Hope. Follow their adventure through their blog below.

http://wordpress.blakeschool.org/wordpress/kenya/

Water Tower At LOH

2010-06-10T20:22:00.002-05:00

Thank you to the Kenyan Rotary. On June 1st a large team of Rotarians visited Light of Hope to see the completed water tower. The addition of the water tower to the LOH campus means the necessary water pressure will be available for the bathrooms, irrigation system (watering the gardens), and other water pumping needs throughout the campus. This is great news!

Run For Hope

2010-05-25T09:41:00.004-05:00

On May 15, 2010, Sheila Ross ran her 11th marathon - the Superior Trail 50K. This was unlike any other race she'd run. She ran in honor of her mother, she passed six years ago of a massive stroke, as well as in support of other "motherless daughters." On this day, she ran on behalf of the motherless daughters at the Light of Hope Home & School for Girls (LOH) in Naivasha, Kenya. Below is a letter from her on completing her RUN FOR HOPE. Congratulations Sheila on the run and all your hard work. Thank you for your efforts in support of LOH, you are an amazing woman!

Run for Hope Update:
I arrived home Saturday night from my Run for Hope, having completed the race in just over 7 hours. The 31-mile trek consisted of rocky, rooty, muddy, mountainous, unbelievably challenging terrain, but the weather was beautiful and the scenery was stunning. My muscles are sore, my legs are aching, my ankle is swollen, my feet are blistered and I LOVED every minute of it! But along with these few minor physical ailments, I also brought home a sense of peace, clarity and empowerment.
Although I have run many races by now, this was much more than just “another race” for me – it was a chance to take one day to pay tribute to my mom…one day to channel my grief into a tangible gift for other girls who know the pain of losing a mom…one day to transform my sorrow into strength, my grief into goodness and my honor into hope. And I couldn’t have done this without your help.
I am so grateful for your support for my Run for Hope. Whether your support was financial, emotional or spiritual…I thank you sincerely. Your generosity and encouragement provided the necessary backdrop for a physically demanding and emotionally charged day. Each of you has played an important role in my ability to fulfill this need to honor my mom. But your gifts will also fulfill an even greater need than mine – they will fulfill the needs of 40+ young girls in Naivasha, Kenya, by offering them a sense of security, a feeling of family, a chance for an education and the promise of a future. I cannot imagine a more appropriate tribute to offer in honor of my mom than to give a chance of life and love to others.
In time, my muscles, legs and feet will heal and the pain will be forgotten. But I will never forget the gift you gave to me on May 15, 2010 – the gift of HOPE.

I thank you with all my heart.
Sheila

Run For Hope - Sheila Ross

2010-05-04T19:16:00.003-05:00

Run for LIFE run to honor run for strength run to heal run for peace
Run for Hope

Superior Trail 50K, Lutsen, Minnesota

Dear Friends and Family,

On May 15, 2004 my beloved mother, Muriel Forget Foster, suffered a massive stroke and died four days later. This was a devastating loss for me and I miss her more than words can express. That unexpected tragedy has shaped my life in many ways, but most profoundly as I found healing, strength, and inspiration through running.

On May 15, 2010, the sixth anniversary of my mother's death, I will run my 11th marathon - the Superior Trail 50K. This will be unlike any other race I've run, as I will do so not only in my mom's honor, but also in support of other "motherless daughters." On this day, I will run on behalf of the motherless daughters at the Light of Hope Home & School for Girls (LOH) in Naivasha, Kenya. I will RUN FOR HOPE.

LOH houses, cares for and educates more than 45 young girls in Naivasha - many of these girls have been orphaned by aids or extreme poverty. Despite the grief I feel in being "motherless", I remain truly grateful that I had my mom through much of my adulthood. Sadly, the girls of LOH have suffered this same loss at a much younger age. But, as these girls are rescued and brought into the LOH family, they are given another chance - a chance to live, learn and grow in a safe and loving environment.

As you may know, John initiated a relationship with the LOH ministry three years ago - May 2007. Since then, the light of hope has shined in both directions as our church has made an impact on their ministry and the girls of LOH have made a lasting impression on many people of our church. Although the progress has been remarkable, their needs continue.

This is where you come in... I am hoping that each of you will consider supporting me in my Run For Hope, by sponsoring me and donating to LOH. My goal is to raise $5000 for the Light of Hope Home & School for Girls. The money we contribute will be used to further develop LOH, by allowing them to purchase 8 additional acres, adjacent to their current site, and enable them change the lives of even more motherless daughters.

Please consider sponsoring me for one of the following amounts:

$15 (25 cents/km) $50 ($1/km)

$250 ($5/km) $30 (50 cents/km)

$100 ($2/km) $? Other

To make a tax-deductible donation, click here, or you can send a check made out to "Lighthouse Ministries International" to LMI directly.

My RUN FOR HOPE on May 15 will be a difﬁcult journey, but I will ﬁnd strength and inspiration through the memory of my mom. I know she will be with me - I hope you will be too.

Sincerely, Sheila Ross

P.S. Our entire family will be traveling to Naivasha, Kenya in July to meet the girls of LOH. We hope to see our fundraising efforts being put to use at that time. Thank you for your support!

run to remember run for inspiration run for gratitude Run for HOPE

Walk/Run Fundraiser for LOH

2010-04-10T21:30:00.006-05:00

Joins us June 5th, 2010

Dam - To - Dam Iowa Distance Classic

Lat Spring Boni joined the David Hobbs Music Foundation Team to run the Dam-To-Dam Iowa Distance Classic to raise money for Light of Hope School and Home. Lighthouse Ministries would like to invite you to join us. If you would like to run with us, run or walk the shorter course, or sponsor us with a donation and cheer us along, your support is greatly appreciated.

To register as a runner go to the following web site: http://damtodam.com/
To run as a member of our team contact us directly after registering as a runner.

If you would like to sponsor us contact us directly at: 763-559-8688

Thank you for your support!

More of Boni at LOH

2010-04-10T20:51:00.005-05:00

Due to heavy rains Boni's trek to LOH each day was a muddy one.

Rosemary helps with cooking in the kitchen
Jane and Sarah at their garden plot

The girls write letters to their Friends of LMI

Boni with high school students Esther and Hannah on their visit home to LOH

Boni with the girls during a campus clean up day

Music and dance from the girls of LOH

Serah on slide

The girls bring their A game for Boni. He has a small scar on his elbow to prove it.

First Days of Boni's Visit

2010-03-30T20:22:00.003-05:00

The bathroom/shower facility is completed and is up and running. The students and staff of LOH celebrated along with community members at the dedication.

Boni has the honor of cutting the ribbon.

The completed bathroom/shower facility.

Two students received new quilts.

New Students Arrive to LOH

2010-03-08T21:28:00.002-06:00

Maria N. 11years old and Naomi N. 9 years old are new residents welcomed to LOH.

Sports, Drama & A Special Visit

2010-03-07T20:38:00.003-06:00

For the third time in a row, the girls of LOH have continued to prosper in various events in the Naivasha District drama and sports activities.

Margaret and Rosemary were selected to represent the Maraigushu Division on soccer and volleyball teams respectively. We are grateful for all the donors that made the sport courts at LOH possible. LOH plans to have more participants in next years games.

The students continue to receive recognition for their drama efforts. Margaret W. has continued making us proud with her narrative “Ni hatari tukomeshe.". The group consisting of Rosemary, Faith N. and Faith M., Mary N., Carol N., Grace W., and Rahab who are giving back up to Margaret scooped maximum points of 82% and became 1st runners-up in the Vast Regional Rift valley schools. We are proud of all the participants. A certificate was awarded to the school in recognition of being the only school representing the Naivasha District to the Provincial level. This has earned a lot of accolades from the Ministry of Education\District Education Office who have promised to financially support them to the Provincial level.

Esther and Hannah visit the girls at LOH on a short term break from high school. Here they are in their new uniforms.

Rainy Season Hits LOH

2010-03-07T20:16:00.004-06:00

It is raining heavily and the rains will continue till May. There are no complaints as we pray God will just give us enough rain.

The girls received towels each labeled with their name. Thank you donors.

Current Happenings At LOH

2010-02-18T22:17:00.002-06:00

Participants pose for a picture before they leave to play in a sports competition.

Current view of the bathroom/shower facility. The ceiling is now completed in two rooms.

The large septic hole has been made into three compartments and is currently being reinforced with water-proof cement.

The Smith Family is visiting LOH and leading the girls in a photography workshop. Here, one of the girls is eating lunch with the students.

LOH Participates In Drama Festival

2010-02-18T22:01:00.005-06:00

Twenty six students along with Teacher Amos (head of the Music Department) and Teacher Emma participated in the Naivasha District Drama Festival, held at a local church in Naivasha. Overall LOH came in 3rd place out of 8 participating schools. The students did a great job at their first showing at the festival!
Pieces presented:
1. Play……………………………………. titled: Amendment 2nd place
2. Choral verse ………………………titled : Mwangaza 3rd place
3. Oral narrative……………………...titled: “Ni hatari tukomeshe" 1st place
4. Traditional dance…………………titled: “ti ciothe ihenagia cie thahabu”-translated to ‘Not all that glitters is gold’ 3rd place

LOH dance performance

LOH play presentation

Teacher Amos reviews notes with the students before one of their performances

LOH was recognized for the best soloist in the traditional dance presented that day courtesy of Rosemary.

First place Oral Narrative which was presented by Margaret

LOH students had a chance to socialize and make friends with the other schools participating at the festival

Off to Secondary School & Other LOH Happenings

2010-02-08T22:07:00.007-06:00

Esther & Hannah move into their new residence for the next four years

LOH will remain their "home" for vacations and breaks from school

Excited girls show off the entrance to their administration building at secondary school

(high school)

Status on the septic system at LOH

The rebuilt kitchen

The interior of the food storage area

New walkways at LOH

Bathroom/shower tiling

So Much Accomplished In So Little Time

2010-01-31T22:09:00.021-06:00

Nine Mission Team Members from Messiah Methodist Church arrived at LOH. Their goals and purpose were clear. Their purpose, to build and strengthen their relationship with the girls and staff of LOH, by reaching their goal of connecting with each girl through fun and fellowship, and bettering the living conditions for these girls. So much was accomplished during their time at LOH. LOH would like to thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to make the LOH campus possible for these girls.

Many of their accomplishments, supported by local workers and the LOH staff, can be seen in the following pictures. Other improvements are listed here.

Complete inventory of all the supplies at the school.

Rebuilding the kitchen

Fixing all the paths around the buildings, which includes rock and stone removal and placing pea gravel on the paths

Rebuilding the clothes line

Fencing an area of the garden for growing fruit

Building additional shelves in Ezekiel's storage area

Improving the shelves in the office storage area

Installing two smoke and fire detectors in the dorm.

Fire drills were run for the girls

Fencing the front of the newly purchased adjoining property

Preaching from the foundation of the new clinic

In celebration of LOH's 4th anniversary the girls put on skits, songs and dances for everyone. After the presentation they shared lunch and cake.

The roof over the Clinic
The interior walls for the temporary classrooms divided the clinic into 4 classrooms

Students will move in Monday

Up to date medical records for the girls

Finishing the girls toilet/shower

Final electrical and plumbing for the shower building

Tiling of the toilet/shower building

Cleaning up windows so that the frames can be painted and the glass installed

Once the septic tank is completed the bathrooms will be up and running soon

Digging out the Septic tank

Cutting and bending the rebar for the Septic system
Drilling holes in the septic pipe. These pipes will be used for the drain field.

Completing the cleaning out the septic tank hole and the lowering the re-bar reinforcement into the hole.

Pouring the concrete base for the septic system.

LOH's opening ceremony. A group of 8 girl scouts were running the ceremony which consisted of raising the Kenya flag, singing and devotions.

Three classrooms were painted

The rain has brought beautiful flowers to the gardens of LOH

The final event of the day was a s'mores party. The girls all loved it!

A Great Start To 2010

2010-01-11T20:58:00.003-06:00

Thanks to the rain, vegetables are plenty. Matrons and the Cook pick the fresh vegetables for preparation.

The girls get their voices ready during music training with Teacher Amos

Current state of the clinic

Merry Christmas

2010-01-05T21:13:00.002-06:00

Colorfully designed and hand made Christmas stockings donated for the girls from Des Moine Iowa, as well as hats from Plymouth, MN were delivered by a family from Minnesota who were visiting LOH.

The new basketball hoop is installed. Given to LOH by their new friends.

The girls play a game on the court.

A rare moment - the girls wanted to remember the visit of the big bus.

TV and DVD player partially purchased with the proceeds from the note cards that were designed by LOH girls.

The clinic to date 12-29-09

LOH Is Green for the Holidays

2009-12-10T20:50:00.002-06:00

LOH is now on holiday break and busy preparing for the Christmas holiday. The rains have been steady and everything is turning green. The garden is flourishing and there are plenty of vegetables for eating. All is well at LOH!

Girls playing in the volleyball court.

Newly hatched chicks with more on the way.

Newborn bunnies.

Gardens are doing well with enough vegetables the campus.

Gearing up for Secondary School (High School)

2009-11-06T21:41:00.005-06:00

Three students will be taking their exams, next week, for placement at a Secondary School. They are the first girls to be graduating from LOH.

Students of LOH Design and Create Notecards

2009-11-02T21:22:00.003-06:00

Display of various note card styles created by the students of LOH.

Designers at work.

Teacher Amos admires the wonderful work.

Work Continues At LOH

2009-11-02T21:07:00.013-06:00

The structure of for the bathrooms and showers is up. The interior for the toilets/bathrooms.

Laborers dig trenches to keep water from the septic hole, once it rains.

The girls line up to irrigate their vegetable plots.

LOH Highlights From Sandy's Visit

2009-10-07T20:31:00.005-05:00

Sandy joins the LOH staff after a successful staff workshop.

The workshop focused on the efficiency and effectiveness of the school and staff as well as team building.

Patroness Jane leads the LOH Girl Scout Troop.

Students of LOH are thankful for their new book bags.

The shell of the bathrooms/showers is completed. The next step will be completing the inside with plumbing and fixtures.

The current number of chickens are supplying LOH with enough eggs. New chicks have just hatched.

Day Two

2009-09-29T19:24:00.007-05:00

Jambo and welcome to our second update!
　
Construction Update:

Ezekiel was presented with some new tools - a drill, a ratchet set & pliers.

Joel the construction foreman was happy to receive the much needed work gloves for his crew.
　

The Daily Projects at LOH:

Dianne and Lois finished organizing and replenishing the clothing in the girls boxes. The girls were all excited to see what was new!

After playing basketball with the girls Sandy and Betsy conducted several meetings with the staff; preparing some additional topics for our staff meeting based on their insights.

Judy assisted in preparing our noon meal today, peeling potatoes with Tabitha the cook.

After school adjourned for the day, the staff all received their athletic attire - this is to wear when they have phy-ed and sports time with the girls.

　
　

Sandy Arrives At LOH

2009-09-29T18:51:00.005-05:00

Sandy, Lois, Dianne, Judy & Betsy arrived at LOH safely to find the girls amazingly happy and healthy. They thank God for his faithfulness, Grace and Mercy.

The girls celebrate the arrival of their guests with dancing and singing.

A quick summary of our first few dates:

Sunday - A wonderful church service at Light of Hope lead by Pastor Judy.

After the service the rain began to pour - we all rejoiced as the area was in a year long drought. It has rained some on each day since Sunday. Grace our assistant matron commented to us that when visitors come they bring many blessings. Praise God.

Monday/Tuesday - We organized supplies and inventory and planned for the upcoming Vacation Bible School. The theme will be Light of Hope COUNTY FAIR!

We have also been planning an all staff workshop that will take place in Naivasha while the girls are doing VBS. We also met with an Education Consultant, who was referred to us by Wayzata Community Church. We are hopeful he will be able to assist us in placing our older girls in reputable high school programs.

THE LATEST CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
The construction is progressing at a great pace. Tomorrow we should see that the Shower/Toilet building has completed walls and roof! Having running water and electricity is truly a gift!
We want to thank those that have shared their generosity and well wishes. We appreciate your continued prayers.

Water At LOH

2009-08-21T20:15:00.005-05:00

Historical moment at LOH!! The water is pumping and running for use.

Raising The Roof at LOH

2009-08-17T09:39:00.002-05:00

The classrooms have now been expanded to meet the requirements in Kenya.

The foundation is being laid for the showers and toilets at LOH.

Progress Continues at LOH

2009-08-17T09:37:00.004-05:00

Continuing to progress on the clinic

Basketball court is almost completed

Boni and Larry's Last Day at LOH

2009-08-05T14:39:00.002-05:00

Excitement at LOH

2009-08-03T20:54:00.009-05:00

There is alot of excitement going on at LOH as Boni, Larry and Craig have been busy with many projects. They have been working hard and have made alot of progress. Everyone at LOH is so grateful for everything!! They say "Asanti Sana".

LMI Appreciation Picnic

2009-07-14T21:42:00.010-05:00

We had a great turnout at the Appreciation Picnic held on Sunday July 12th, at Excelsior Beach . It was a lot of fun and good to see everyone. We do value and appreciate all those who support this ministry. Asanti Sana!

Field Trip for LOH

2009-07-14T21:42:00.009-05:00

On Friday July 10th, LOH took 12 of the students accompanied by two of the teachers, Jane and James, on a Historical Field Trip. Some of the sites visited were the Menengai Crater, Lake Nakuru and Kariandusi. Each of the students will do a presentation about what they learned. An award will be given to the best presentation.

Tim Murphy From MN Rotary Visits LOH

2009-06-08T11:39:00.007-05:00

Tim Murphy, the international representative for the Rotary in Minnesota, and his team spent time with the LOH girls. The girls received t-shirts and enjoyed their time together.

Room For All At LOH

2009-06-08T11:28:00.003-05:00

Recent improvements that were made to accommodate all the girls of LOH with some new beds and rearranging of their personal boxes.

30th Annual Dam to Dam in Des Moines, IA

2009-06-08T10:57:00.005-05:00

Boni ran a half marathon as a member of the David Hobbs Music Foundation team in honor of the late David Hobbs. The proceeds raised from this team are being donated toward the medical clinic at LOH.

6th Annual Shine a Light of Hope Banquet and Silent Auction was held at the Wayzata Country Club on April 17th

2009-05-15T20:39:00.006-05:00

This was our most successful fundraiser to date with 181 guests, we were able to raise $30,000.

Building Hope as the theme for the night

Geno and Judy Vaccaro

Thank you to all our volunteers who helped make this a great success

Opportunity to become a Friend of LMI

Jewelry and scarves from Kenya were for sale

The silent auction was a success.

The ballroom was filled

We want to thank all our guests and volunteers for a great night as we continue to build hope through the Light of Hope.

WATER at LOH!

2009-02-19T22:27:00.007-06:00

During Sandy and Boni's recent visit to LOH they broke ground and drilled the well. It was a historical moment at LOH with lots of excitement and celebration. Water is life and will make a huge difference for the girls, staff and community.

Light The Way Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

2009-02-18T22:03:00.001-06:00

Thank you to all our climbers and sponsors for raising $29,000 to put towards a medical clinic at LOH.

Mission Team From Wayzata Community Church visits LOH in January

2009-02-01T21:04:00.003-06:00

Light of Hope welcomed 13 missionaries from Wayzata Community Church (WCC) this month. We are grateful for the blessing of these missionaries who, danced, sang and prayed with the girls, taught computer skills to our students and staff on 7 new laptop computers they provided, built a playground for the girls, and took the girls on a field trip to purchase new shoes. Thank you for sharing your hearts with us.

Dedication of the Electrical Transformer performed by WCC Senior Pastor John Ross. He also dedicated the playground, the site of the well (to be drilled in a week), and the future site of the medical clinic.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-29T09:19:00.003-06:00

How lovely are your branches... In the spirit of Christmas, some of the girls at LOH used their creativity to put together and trim a tree for the holidays. They all enjoyed their home-made tree as they celebrated Christmas together.

Mission Team from Messiah Methodist Church of Plymouth visits LOH in November

2008-12-26T15:06:00.003-06:00

The girls and staff at LOH are so grateful for all the wonderful improvements that were made during your stay with us. The library has been an invaluable addition! The new metal gate really looks great along with all the painting done and so much more. Most of all we want to thank you for the wonderful time spent with us and being able to get to know all of you. Karibu Sana!

Boni recently visits LOH

2008-11-10T19:23:00.002-06:00

The girls enjoyed having Boni with them for the past two weeks. They all wanted their pictures taken with him.

Letters from Friends of LMI

2008-11-04T12:05:00.002-06:00

The girls enjoyed receiving letters and pictures sent from the Friends of LMI. The connections are so important and it is something they always look forward to.

Cross Continental Sharing and Learning

2008-11-03T18:54:00.004-06:00

Students at The Blake school have recently sent numerous books to the students at Light of Hope. Thank you so much for your generosity. The girls appreciate the new reading material.

3rd Annual Golf Classic

2008-09-15T19:05:00.007-05:00

Island View Golf Club in Waconia was in great shape for the 3rd annual LMI Golf Classic. There were a total 78 golfers who participated, this is a new record!! A total of $13,500 was raised from golf participants, the live auction, the silent auction, and raffles.

Here is the crew who tried to win it all!

A Custom Fender Classic Guitar was raffled.

FORE!!

Many people worked hard to make this years' golf outing the best yet. We want to thank all of our Sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and those who donated prizes! The money raised could not have been done without generous donations of time and talent from supporters of LMI. Thank you to everyone who helped make this years' golf outing a success!!

Let Your Light Shine!!

2008-07-15T11:46:00.007-05:00

After some delays we are happy to share there is finally light at LOH. Electricity was connected in the month of June 2008. The girls at LOH no longer have to study using dangerous lanterns. Thank you again to the Wayzata Community Church Africa board and friends. Without your persistence and dedication, electricity would not be possible.

5th Annual Fundraiser At Wayzata Country Club

2008-06-10T21:27:00.007-05:00

March 14th 2008, our 5th Annual Shine a Light of Hope, and silent auction was a great success! It was held at Wayzata Country Club, with a great turnout and everyone had a wonderful time. Our MC for the evening was Juli Jay from the Fox 9 Morning Show. We also had a variety of musical talent and our keynote speaker was Stephanie Kununen from Need Magazine. Thank you all for your continued support!

The next Mozart or Chopin?

2008-04-03T16:11:00.005-05:00

Very generous funds were donated by the David Hobbs Music Foundation to purchase a keyboard for the girls at LOH. This will be the start of the very first music program at LOH. Thank you David Hobbs Music Foundation!

David Hobbs was young man who was killed in a car accident on November 25, 2007. The David Hobbs Music Foundation has been established in memory of his life, his music, his love of life and the joy that he brought to others. David loved children and children loved David. The Foundation is designed to keep the music alive and use it to raise money for charities dedicated to helping children.

Here the girls are excited to learn on their new keyboard. If you have musical talent/skills, consider a visit to LOH for a musical mission trip

http://www.davidhobbsmusic.org/

We've Got Milk!!

2008-04-03T14:22:00.007-05:00

Blake Lower School students organized a service activity they called Got Milk! They hoped to earn $1,000 to buy one cow and food for the cow. Students exceeded their goal and earned $3,500. This money was able to buy two cows, food for these two cows, and build a small feed shelter for the cows. Light of Hope Orphanage and school is located in Karati Kenya, this is very close to the Naivasha area.

Here is a picture with 1 of the 2 new cows at LOH. Rumor has it, the cow's name is Nan?!

Here are the 2 cows posing with the girls.

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

2008-04-03T13:48:00.002-05:00

Progress is being made with the electricity. The inspector made it to LOH and has approved the work that has been done so far. The transformer should be delivered soon, and hopefully there will be power by the end of April. Below is a picture of the housing for the electrical equipment.

There will be light!

Got Milk?

2008-02-22T10:34:00.005-06:00

Students in grades Pre K-5 at The Blake School in Hopkins and Wayzata, Minnesota are raising money to buy and feed a cow for Light of Hope home and school. The Blake students have watched photo presentations about Light of Hope and have sent friendship letters to the girls. Student leaders from every grade have studied nutrition and led education about the concerns and hopes of the Kenyan people. Students have studied the Shinnyo-en Six Billion Paths to Peace project and they believe a cow for the Light of Hope home and school is one path to peace. The students anticipate this project lasting 3 weeks.

Thank you very much to all the students at The Blake School. Here are some photos of the project in action!

Day Scholars Are Born!

2008-02-09T14:32:00.002-06:00

At a time when there is an overwhelming need in Kenya, LMI is helping where it can. A new program called Day Scholars was started in January 2008. During the day, 10 local girls who are in great need walk to LOH for a quality education and at least one solid meal per day (lunch). These 10 girls join the existing 26 girls who reside at LMI.

Here is a picture of the Day Scholars with their new sisters.

Some day LMI hopes to build more permanent buildings so all girls can be housed at Light of Hope.

"Give a girl a book and you let her read for a day, give a girl an education and you open her world to endless opportunities"

A Month of Sundays With Wayzata Community Chruch

2008-02-02T14:12:00.013-06:00

For the Month of January 2008 Wayzata Community Church (WCC) celebrated Africa and LMI as their Mission of the Month. Being selected to be the the Mission of the Month means WCC focuses with intent purpose on the Mission work happening at LMI. LMI was supported in various ways by WCC. Here is the great work accomplished over a Month of Sundays.

Fair Trade Coffee Program
John Watson at WCC worked with the local coffee company, Berry Coffee, to create a custom coffee for LMI. The coffee is fair trade coffee from Africa. Fair Trade coffee pays farmers in Africa 2-3 times the market rate for their coffee so the farmers can earn a sustainable living. The coffee bags have a custom label with a picture of some of the LMI girls. What a great idea to help LMI and Africa, helping Africa twice. Rumor has it, the coffee is very balanced and tasty. We still have coffee available for purchase. If you or your company would like to order this delicious fair trade coffee, please email jodielynn20@yahoo.com.

Hand Made Bracelets
Middle School and High School students at WCC made over 125 bracelets to sell on Sundays. Over 90 bracelets were sold. This money is going towards the goal of a new playground at Light of Hope (LOH).

Friends of LMI
Becoming a Friend of LMI is to help LMI financial with a monthly minimum gift of $25. Once you become a Friend of LMI you receive communication from the girls at Light of Hope School and you are invited to meet with Sandy and Boni (directors of LMI) for regular updates.

May Mission Trip
WCC is planning to return to Light of Hope School in May for a Mission trip. If you are interested in going, please contact Becky Pierson at WCC. her email is: allpierson@comcast.net.

Middle School and High School Students
The Middle School and High School Students have a goal of raising $5000 for a new playground for the girls at Light of Hope (LOH). Their are working towards this goal with continued support of selling the fair trade coffee. They would love your support!

Discussion and Education
Boni and Sandy took time to visit with WCC High School, Middle School, and elementary school students to talk with them about LOH. They discussed what life is like in Kenya for the girls at LOH. The elementary students learned some Kenyan words and wrote letters to the girls at LOH. Boni and Sandy stressed that even though the girls at LOH in Kenya may seem far away, the WCC students are making a real difference in their lives with the making of bracelets and selling of fair trade coffee.

Thank you WCC for your hard work and support to make a difference in the lives of Kenyan girls!

Warmth from Minnesota!

2008-01-19T18:00:00.000-06:00

The Blake School in Minnesota graciously donated handmade fleece blankets for the girls at Light of Hope. This effort was part of The Blake School's participation in Legacy Day. The nights can get very cool because Light of Hope is at elevation. Here is a picture of the girls snuggled up with their new blankets. A heartfelt thank you to The Blake School!

What a Blessed December!

2008-01-03T10:29:00.001-06:00

Boni is home safely from Kenya and through generous donations,the girls at Light of Hope had a blessed Christmas season. Below are some highlights.

All of the girls received much needed shoes as a Christmas present.

3 Bicycles were purchased for the girls to share. With an aging playground, the bicycles give the girls a great new way to have fun and get exercise. They were very thankful and happy to receive the bicycles.

1 sewing machine was purchased for the girls so they can be more self sufficient and work on their sewing skills.

All of the girls were very appreciative of gifts they received, thank you for all of your support!

Another highlight of December was an overnight trip to a local campground where the girls slept in tents, played games, had fun and sang around the campfire.

To mark the 2 year anniversary of LOH, a great celebration took place at the Light of Hope home on December 18, 2007. Over 300 community members and local dignitaries attended the grand event. This event helped to build awareness of LOH and strengthen community ties.

Thank you very much for your support of LMI and Light of Hope home. Your efforts are making a difference in the girls lives!

LET THERE BE LIGHT!!!

2008-01-02T11:18:00.000-06:00

WE WILL HAVE ELECTRICITY!! In late December Lighthouse Ministries received a very generous donation to purchase a transformer at LOH. This transformer will be used for many purposes:

1. Provide power for a water well.

2. Provide lighting inside the buildings, this really helps with safety as the girls will no longer have use dangerous oil lamps.

3. Light up the campus of LOH providing greater outside security.

4. Eventually refrigeration will allow storage of perishable food items.

5. Future construction projects will be easier.

6. Electricity is essential for future computer and internet accessibility.

7. Improved community relations as the community will be able to tap into the transformer at their own expense.

LMI would like say "A VERY BIG SUPER DUPER THANK YOU!!" to the Wayzata Community Church Africa board and friends. Without their work and help, electricity would not be possible.

We are hoping to have electricity installed by the end of March 2008.

Boni visits Light of Hope in December!

2007-12-22T14:24:00.001-06:00

Boni will be at LOH from 12/14/2007 thru 12/31/2007. While at LOH Boni will be celebrating the 2nd anniversary of Light of Hope!!! Christmas will also be a glorious celebration. Please pray for his safe journey.